Tool training for automated tool control systems

ABSTRACT

An inventory control system and method determines an inventory condition of objects stored in the system. Embodiments include a storage container including a plurality of storage locations for storing objects; an image sensing device to capture image data of the container, including image data of the plurality of storage locations and a target area that includes an individual object storage location having less than the plurality of storage locations; a data storage device for storing the image data of the container; and a data processor. The processor receives initial image data representing an initial image of the plurality of storage locations, and image data representing an image of the target area captured subsequent to the initial image; modifies the initial image data based on the image data of the target area to generate adjusted image data; and stores the adjusted image data in the data storage device.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/916,245, filed Jun. 12, 2013, which in turn claims priority ofprovisional patent application No. 61/658,729, filed June. 12, 2012, thedisclosures of which are all incorporated herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates to features and functions of anelectronic inventory control system, in particular an image-basedinventory control system, which monitors the removal and replacement ofobjects, and identifying objects removed and returned to the system.

BACKGROUND

When tools are used in a manufacturing or service environment, it isimportant that tools be returned to a storage unit, such as a tool box,after use. Employers typically perform a manual inventory check of thetool box to minimize or eliminate the problem of misplacement or theftof expensive tools. Companies can conduct random audits of employee'stoolbox to prevent theft and monitor tool location.

Some industries have high standards for inventory control of tools, forpreventing incidents of leaving tools in the workplace environment wherethey could cause severe damage. For the aerospace industry, it isimportant to ensure that no tools are accidentally left behind in anaircraft or missile being manufactured, assembled or repaired. TheAerospace Industries Association even establishes a standard calledNational Aerospace Standard including recommended procedures, personnelmanagement and operations to reduce foreign object damage (FOD) toaerospace products. FOD is defined as any object not structurally partof the aircraft. The most common foreign objects found are nuts, bolts,safety wire, and hand tools. Inventory control over tools is critical toprevent tools from being left in an aircraft.

Some toolboxes include built-in inventory determination features totrack inventory conditions of tools stored in those toolboxes. Forexample, some toolboxes dispose contact sensors, magnetic sensors orinfrared sensors in or next to each tool storage locations, to detectwhether a tool is placed in each tool storage location. Based on signalsgenerated by the sensors, the toolboxes are able to determine whetherany tools are missing. While this type of inventory check may be usefulto some extent, it suffers from various drawbacks. For instance, if asensor detects that something is occupying a storage location, thetoolbox will determine that no tool is missing from that storagelocation. However, the toolbox does not know whether the right kind oftool is indeed placed back in the toolbox or it is just some objectsplaced in the storage location to cheat the system. Furthermore,disposing sensors for numerous storage locations in a toolbox is tediousand costly, and the large number of sensors is prone to damages ormalfunctions which will produce false negative or positive alarms.

Accordingly, there is a need for an effective inventory control systemto assist tracking and accounting for usage of tools, and whether theyare properly put back after usage. To address these issues, automatedtool control systems have been developed which determine an inventorycondition of objects by capturing and processing images of storagelocations that are used to store the objects. Such an exemplary toolstorage system is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/484,127, filed Jun. 12, 2009, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

An exemplary image-based tool storage system includes multiple storagedrawers, each storage drawer including multiple storage locations forstoring various types of tools. More particularly, each storage drawerincludes a foam layer having a plurality of storage locations, such astool cutouts, for storing tools. Each cutout is specifically contouredand shaped for fittingly receiving a tool with corresponding shapes.Typically, the system is “trained” to recognize the tools in a drawer byhaving an image sensor (i.e., a camera) image the entire drawer tocreate a data file, which is processed to provide positional informationfor all the specific tools in the drawer.

There is a need for an imaging based inventory control system whichsimplifies the tool training process required to store toolidentification parameters for a single tool or group of tools, ratherthan reacquiring and storing the tool parameters for every tool in thedrawer or tray.

There is also a need for reducing the current process time required tocreate foam layouts, and to check, approve and produce the foam layers.Further, there is a need to automate the foam changeout process and theassociated updating of the system database, to avoid errors resultingfrom manually entering tool data.

SUMMARY

The teachings herein improve over conventional tool control systems byproviding improved systems and methods for tool training and databaseupdating.

According to the present disclosure, the foregoing and other advantagesare achieved in part by an inventory control system for determining aninventory condition of objects stored in the system, comprising astorage container including a plurality of storage locations for storingobjects; an image sensing device configured to capture image data of thecontainer, including image data of all of the plurality of storagelocations and of a target area of the container that includes anindividual object storage location comprising less than the plurality ofstorage locations; a data storage device for storing the image data ofthe container; and a data processor. The data processor is configured toreceive initial image data representing an initial image of theplurality of storage locations, receive image data representing an imageof the target area captured subsequent to the initial image; modify theinitial image data based on the image data of the target area togenerate adjusted image data; and store the adjusted image data in thedata storage device.

In accord with another aspect of the disclosure, a method comprisesreceiving, in an inventory control system having a storage containerincluding a plurality of storage locations for storing objects,selection of a target area of the container that includes an individualobject storage location comprising less than the plurality of storagelocations; capturing initial image data representing an initial image ofthe plurality of storage locations; capturing image data representing animage of the target area subsequent to the initial image; modifying theinitial image data based on the image data of the target area togenerate adjusted image data; and storing the adjusted image data.

In accord with yet another aspect of the disclosure, an inventorycontrol system for determining an inventory condition of objects storedin the system comprises a storage container including a plurality ofstorage locations for storing objects; an image sensing deviceconfigured to capture image data of the container, including image dataof the plurality of storage locations; and a data processor. The dataprocessor is configured to receive image data representing objectsdisposed on a surface of the storage container, generate a data filedefining the shape and position of each of the objects in the storagecontainer based on the received image data, and generate a layout of theplurality of storage locations usable for producing a storage layer forcontrolling the objects while they are stored in the container, based onthe generated data file.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a method comprisesreceiving, in an inventory control system having a storage containerincluding a plurality of storage locations for storing objects, imagedata representing objects disposed on a surface of the storagecontainer, generating a data file defining the shape and position ofeach of the objects in the storage container based on the received imagedata, and generating a layout of the plurality of storage locationsusable for producing a storage layer for controlling the objects whilethey are stored in the container, based on the generated data file.

According to a still further aspect of the disclosure, an inventorycontrol system for determining an inventory condition of objects storedin the system comprises a storage container including a plurality ofstorage locations for storing objects; an image sensing deviceconfigured to capture image data of the container; a data storage devicefor storing the image data and other data related to the container; anda data processor. The data processor is configured to receive new datarepresenting objects in the plurality of storage locations; and updatethe image data and the other data related to the container stored in thestorage device based on the received new data.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method comprisesstoring, in an inventory control system having a storage containerincluding a plurality of storage locations for storing objects, imagedata and other data related to the container; receiving new datarepresenting objects in the plurality of storage locations; and updatingthe image data and the other data related to the container stored in thestorage device based on the received new data.

Additional advantages and novel features will be set forth in part inthe description which follows and in part will become apparent to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following andthe accompanying drawings or may be learned from production or operationof the examples. The advantages of the present teachings may be realizedand attained by practice or use of the methodologies, instrumentalitiesand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the attached drawings, wherein elements having thesame reference numeral designations represent like elements throughout,and wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B show exemplary storage units in which implementationsaccording to this disclosure may be implemented;

FIG. 2 shows details inside an exemplary storage drawer operated in theopen mode;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary tool storage system according to thisdisclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4C and 4E are different views of the tool storage system shownin FIG. 3;

FIG. 4D illustrates how an exemplary image is stitched together;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are exemplary identifier designs for use in thisdisclosure;

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrates an example of timed image capturing;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are different views of another implementation of cameradesigns;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary networked inventory controlsystem;

FIGS. 9A-9D are illustrative images of an exemplary audit record andimages taken during access to an exemplary system according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an individual tool training processaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a user interface for the tool training process ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a process for generating a storagelayer according the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a process for automating changeoutof a storage layer according the present disclosure;

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate functional block diagram illustrations ofgeneral purpose computer hardware platforms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present disclosure. Specifically, operations ofillustrative implementations that utilize machine vision to identifyinventory conditions of a storage unit are described in the context oftool management and tool inventory control. It will be apparent,however, to one skilled in the art that concepts of the disclosure maybe practiced or implemented without these specific details. Similarconcepts may be utilized in other types of inventory control systemssuch as warehouse management, jewelry inventory management, sensitive orcontrolled substance management, mini bar inventory management, drugmanagement, vault or security box management, etc. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure.

The disclosed techniques simplify the tool training process required tostore tool identification parameters for a single tool or group oftools, rather than reacquiring and storing the tool parameters for everytool in the drawer or tray. This process reduces time spent processingtool data while re-training drawers or trays, especially those drawersor trays in which there are a large number of tools.

Also, to group tools together for specific job requirements, or as a kitof similar or identical tools, a technique is disclosed to subdivide thefoam layouts with cutouts for specific tools into pallets. The palletscan be issued from the tool storage unit as a whole with all the kittedtools included therein, or individual tools can be issued and returnedwhile the pallet remains in the tool storage device.

Another improvement disclosed herein relates to the creation of the foamlayers with cutout silhouettes used to store each individual tool.Currently the sales associate and the customer define the tool listrequired for inclusion in each tool control system. There are multiplemethods to create the tool silhouettes and transfer them to the foamlayout to create a tool storage foam layer for the tool storage devicedrawers or trays. Silhouettes can be created by CAD specialists using 2Dengineering drawings, 3D engineering models, direct measurement of thetool, flat bed scanning of the tool, and backlight scanning of the tool.Once the tool silhouettes are created the CAD specialists create thelayout of each drawer or tray per customer requirements and standardizedrules. The finished layout is sent to the customer for approval. Thedrawer or tray layout is then revised or sent to the foam vendor forproduction if approved.

This process is opened ended and can result in long delays from initialsilhouette collection to production, especially if the customer changestheir mind. An improved method to create the foam silhouettes isdisclosed herein which utilizes the camera based tool control system tophotograph the tools in the layout proposed by the customer at theirsite, automatically correct the image to remove parallax, automaticallycreate the images of the layout for checking, assign part numbers toeach tool, and automatically create the production ready file for thewaterjet or other CAD/CAM production machine. This process significantlyreduces the current process time required to create foam layouts, check,approve and produce from weeks to days.

An additional way to increase efficiencies for image based tool controlsystems in the manufacturing, maintenance and service process is toautomate the foam change out process. The current process requires theuser or administrator to download an electronic .txt file whichdescribes the areas of interest for the cameras to view in eachindividual drawer or tray. Once these files are loaded the userinitiates the camera calibration routine in the manufacturingapplication. The user must then manually step through each step in thecamera calibration and drawer or tray training routines to complete thefoam layer change out process. This disclosure describes an automatedprocess wherein the drawer or tray file is downloaded to the properstorage location and the user invokes the foam change out routine fromthe tool storage devices GUI screen. The foam change out routine thenautomatically steps the user through each step required to complete foamlayout changes.

With this overview, reference now is made in detail to the examplesillustrated in the accompanying drawings and discussed below.

Overview of Exemplary Tool Storage Systems

FIGS. 1a and 1b show exemplary storage units in which inventory controlsystems according to this disclosure may be implemented. FIG. 1a is anexemplary tool storage system 100 including multiple storage drawers120. Each storage drawer 120 includes multiple storage locations forstoring various types of tools. As used throughout this disclosure, astorage location is a location in a storage system for storing orsecuring objects. In one implementation, each tool has a specificpre-designated storage location in the tool storage system.

Each storage drawer operates between a close mode, which allows noaccess to the contents of the drawer, and an open mode, which allowspartial or complete access to the contents of the drawer. When a storagedrawer moves from a close mode to an open mode, the storage drawerallows increasing access to its contents. On the other hand, if astorage moves from an open mode to a close mode, the storage drawerallows decreasing access to its contents. As shown in FIG. 1a , allstorage drawers 120 are in close mode.

A locking device may be used to control access to the contents of thedrawers 120. Each individual drawer 120 may have its own lock ormultiple storage drawers 120 may share a common locking device. Onlyauthenticated or authorized users are able to access to the contents ofthe drawers.

The storage drawers may have different sizes, shapes, layouts andarrangements. FIG. 1b shows another type of tool storage system 200which includes multiple storage shelves or compartments 220 and a singledoor 250 securing access to the storage shelves 250. The storage shelvesor compartments may come in different sizes, shapes, layouts andarrangements.

FIG. 2 shows details inside an exemplary storage drawer 120 in the openmode. Each storage drawer 120 includes a foam base 180 having at leastone storage location, such as cutouts 181, for storing tools. Eachcutout is specifically contoured and shaped for fittingly receiving atool with corresponding shapes. Tools may be secured in each storagelocation by using hooks, Velcro, latches, pressures from the foam, etc.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary inventory control system implemented as a toolstorage system 300 according to this disclosure for storing tools.Storage system 300 includes a display 305, an access control device 306,such as a card reader, for verifying identity and authorization levelsof a user intending to access storage system 300, multiple tool storagedrawers 330 for storing tools. Tool storage system 300 includes an imagesensing device configured to capture images of contents or storagelocations of the system. The image sensing device may be lens-basedcameras, CCD cameras, CMOS cameras, video cameras, or any type of devicethat captures images. System 300 includes a data processing system, suchas a computer, for processing images captured by the image sensingdevice. Images captured or formed by the image sensing device areprocessed by the data processing system for determining an inventorycondition of the system or each storage drawer. The term inventorycondition as used throughout this disclosure means information relatingto an existence or non-existence condition of objects.

The data processing system may be part of tool storage system 300. Inone implementation, the data processing system is a remote computerhaving a data link, such as a wired or wireless link, coupled to toolstorage system 300; or a combination of a computer integrated in storagesystem 300 and a computer remote to storage system 300. Detailedoperations for forming images and determining inventory conditions willbe discussed shortly.

Drawers 330 are similar to those drawers 120 shown in FIG. 1a . Display305 is an input and/or output device of storage system 330, configuredto output information. Information entry via display 305 is possiblesuch as by using a touch screen display. Access control device 306 isused to limit access to tool storage drawers 330 to authorized usersonly. Access control device 306, through the use of one or more lockingdevices, keeps all storage drawers 330 locked in a closed position untilaccess control device 306 authenticates a user's authorization foraccessing storage system 300. Access control device 306 may use one ormore access authentication means to verify a user's authorizationlevels, such as by using a key pad to enter an access code, a keycardreader to read from a key card or fobs authorization level of a userholding the card or fob, biometric methods such as fingerprint readersor retinal scans, or other methods. If access control device 306determines that a user is authorized to access storage system 300, itunlocks some or all storage drawers 330, depending on the user'sauthorization level, allowing the user to remove or replace tools. Inone implementation, access to each storage drawer 300 is controlled andgranted independently. Based on an assigned authorization or accesslevel, a user may be granted access to one or more drawers of system300, but not to other drawers. In one implementation, access controldevice 306 relocks a storage drawer 330 when or after a user closes thedrawer.

The location of access control device 306 is not limited to the front ofstorage system 300. It could be disposed on the top of the system or ona side surface of the system. In one implementation, access controldevice 306 is integrated with display 305. User information forauthentication purpose may be input through display device with touchscreen functions, face detection cameras, fingerprint readers, retinalscanners or any other types of devices used for verifying a user'sauthorization to access storage system 300.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show a partial perspective view of tool storage system300. As illustrated in FIG. 4a , an access control device 306 in theform of a card reader is disposed on a side surface of the system.Storage system 300 includes an imaging compartment 330 which houses animage sensing device comprising three cameras 310 and a light directingdevice, such as a mirror 312 having a reflection surface disposed atabout 45 degrees downwardly relative to a vertical surface, fordirecting light reflected from drawers 330 to cameras 310. The directedlight, after arriving to cameras 310, allow cameras 310 to form imagesof drawers 330. The shaded area 340 below mirror 312 represents aviewing field of the imaging sensing device of tool storage system 300.Mirror 312 has a width equal to or larger than that of each storagedrawer, and redirects the camera view downwards toward the drawers. FIG.4e is an illustrative side view of system 300 showing the relativeposition between cameras 310, mirror 312 and drawers 330. Light Lreflected from any of drawers 330 to mirror 312 is directed to cameras310.

FIG. 4b is a perspective view identical to FIG. 4a except that a coverof imaging compartment 330 is removed to reveal details of the design.Each camera 310 is associated with a viewing field 311. As shown in FIG.4b , the combined viewing fields of cameras 310 form the viewing field340 of the image sensing device. Viewing field 340 has a depth of x. Forinstance, the depth of viewing field 340 may be approximately 2 inches.

FIG. 4c is an alternative perspective view of tool storage system 300shown in FIG. 4a , except that a storage drawer 336 now operates in anopen mode allowing partial access to its contents or storage locationsin storage drawer 336.

This arrangement of cameras 310 and mirror 312 in FIGS. 4a-4c allowscameras 310 the capability of capturing images from the top drawer tothe bottom drawer, without the need to substantially change its focallength.

In one implementation, cameras 310 capture multiple partial images ofeach storage drawer as it is opened or closed. Each image captured bycameras 310 may be associated with a unique ID or a time stampindicating the time when the image was captured. Acquisition of theimages is controlled by a data processor in tool storage system 300. Inone implementation, the captured images are the full width of the drawerbut only approximately 2 inches in depth. The captured images overlapsomewhat in depth and/or in width. As shown in FIG. 4D, the partialimages 41-45 taken by different cameras 310 at different points in timemay be stitched together to form a single image of partial or entiredrawer and its contents and/or storage locations. This stitching may beperformed by the data processor or by an attached or remote computerusing off-the-shelf software programs. Since images are captured inapproximately two inch slices multiple image slices are captured by eachcamera. One or more visible scales may be included in each drawer. Theprocessor may monitor the portion of the image that contains the scalein a fast imaging mode similar to video monitoring. When the scalereaches a specified or calculated position, the data processing systemcontrols the image sensing device to capture and record an image slice.The scale may also assist in photo stitching. Additionally a patternsuch as a grid may be applied to the surface the drawer. The patterncould be used to assist the stitching or image capture process.

In another implementation, the image sensing device includes largermirrors and cameras with wide angle lens, in order to create a deeperview field x, such that the need for image stitching can be reduced orentirely eliminated.

In one implementation, one or more line scan cameras are used toimplement the image sensing device. A line scan camera captures an imagein essentially one dimension. The image will have a significant widthdepending on the sensor, but the depth is only one pixel. A line scancamera captures an image stripe the width of the tool drawer but onlyone pixel deep. Every time drawer 330 moves by a predetermined partialamount the camera will capture another image stripe. In this case theimage stripes must be stitched together to create a usable full drawerimage. This is the same process used in many copy machines to capture animage of the document. The document moves across a line scan camera andthe multiple image stripes are stitched together to create an image ofthe entire document.

In addition to a mirror, it is understood that other devices, such asprisms, a combination of different types of lens including flat,concave, and/or convex, fiber optics, or any devices may direct lightfrom one point to another may be used to implement the light directingdevice for directing light coming from an object to a remote camera.Another option could be the use of fiber optics. The use of lightdirecting device may introduce distortions into the captured images.Calibrations or image processing may be performed to eliminate thedistortions. For instance, cameras 310 may first view a known simplegrid pattern reflected by the light directing device and create adistortion map for use by the data process processor to adjust thecaptured image to compensate for mirror distortion.

For better image capture and processing, it may be desirable tocalibrate the cameras. The cameras may include certain build variationswith respect to image distortion or focal length. The cameras can becalibrated to reduce distortion in a manner similar to how the mirrordistortion can be reduced. In fact, the mirror calibration couldcompensate for both camera and mirror distortion, and it may be the onlydistortion correction used. Further, each individual cameras may becalibrated using a special fixture to determine the actual focal lengthof their lenses, and software can be used to compensate for thedifferences from camera to camera in a single system.

In one implementation, the image sensing device does not include anymirror. Rather, one or more cameras are disposed at the location wheremirror 312 was disposed. In this case, the cameras point directly downat storage drawers 330 when then move. In another implementation, eachstorage drawer 330 has one or more associated cameras for capturingimages for that storage drawer.

Determination of Inventory Conditions

System 300 determines the presence or absence of tools in drawers 330based on captured images using a variety of possible strategies.Suitable software may be executed by the embedded processor or anattached computer (PC) for performing inventory determinations based oncaptured images.

In one example, system 300 determines an inventory condition of astorage drawer based on empty locations in the drawer. Each storagelocation in the drawer is configured to store a pre-designated object,such as a pre-designated tool. A non-volatile memory device of system300 stores information identifying a relationship between each knownstorage location in the drawer and its corresponding pre-designatedobject. The memory device also stores information of two baseline imagesof the drawer: one baseline image having each of its storage locationsoccupied by the corresponding pre-designated object, and anotherbaseline image having its storage locations unoccupied. In determiningan inventory condition of the drawer, the data processor compares animage of the drawer and each of the baseline images. Based on adifference of the images, the data processor determines which storagelocation in the drawer is not occupied by its correspondingpre-designated object. The identity of the missing object is determinedbased on the stored relationship identifying each storage locations andtheir corresponding pre-designated objects.

Another implementation according to this disclosure utilizes speciallydesigned identifier for determining an inventory condition of objects.Depending on whether a storage location is being occupied by an object,an associated identifier appears in one of two different manners in animage captured by the image sensing device. For instance, an identifiermay appear in a first color when the associated storage location isoccupied by a tool and a second color when the associated storagelocation is unoccupied. The identifiers may be texts, one-dimensional ortwo-dimensional bard code, patterns, dots, code, symbols, figures,numbers, LEDs, lights, flags, etc., or any combinations thereof. Thedifferent manners that an identifier may appear in an image captured bythe image sensing device include images with different patterns,intensities, forms, shapes, colors, etc. Based on how each identifierappears in a captured image, the data processor determines an inventorycondition of the object.

FIG. 5 shows an implementation of identifier designs. As shown in FIG.5, storage location 51 is designated to store tool 510, and storagelocation 52 is currently occupied by its designated tool 520. Storagelocation 53 is not occupied by its designated tool. Each storagelocation 51, 52, 53 has an associated identifier. Depending on whethereach storage location 51-53 is being occupied by a corresponding tool,each identifier appears in an image captured by cameras 310 in one oftwo different manners. For example, each identifier may not be viewableby cameras 310 when a corresponding tool is stored in the respectivestorage location, and becomes viewable by cameras 310 when an object isnot stored in the respective storage location. Similarly, a differentimplementation may have an identifier viewable by the image sensingdevice when an object is stored in the respective storage location, andis not viewable by the image sensing device when an object is not storedin the respective storage location.

For instance, the bottom of storage locations 51-53 includes anidentifier made of retro-reflective material. Since storage locations 51and 53 are not occupied by their respective designated tools, theirassociated identifiers 511 and 513 are viewable to the image sensingdevice. On the other hand, storage location 52 is currently occupied byits designated tool, its identifier is blocked from the view of theimage sensing device. When the particular tool is stored in the storagelocation, the identifier is blocked from the view of the image sensingdevice and not viewable by the image sensing device. On the other hand,if the storage location is not occupied by the particular tool, theidentifier is viewable by the image sensing device and shows up as ahigh intensity area on an image of the drawer. Accordingly, a highintensity area represents a missing tool. The system 300 detectslocations with missing tools and correlates the empty locations withstored relationship identifying each storage locations and theircorresponding tools. The system 300 determines which tools are not intheir specified locations in a drawer. It is understood that theidentifiers may be implemented in many different manners. For instance,the identifiers may be designed to create a high intensity image when astorage location is occupied and an image with less intensity when thestorage location is occupied.

In one implementation, each identifier is implemented with a contactsensor and an LED. As shown in FIG. 5b , storage location 61 isassociated with a contact sensor 62 and an LED 63. When contact sensor61 senses a tool is in storage location 61, a signal is generated bycontact sensor 61 and controls to turn off power supply to LED 63. Onthe other hand, if contact sensor 62 detects that a tool is not instorage location 61, control sensor 62 generates a control signal whichcontrols to turn on LED 63, which creates a high intensity area in animage captured by the image sensing device. Each high intensity area inan image indicates a storage location without an associated tool. Thesystem 300 identifies removed or missing tools by determining whichstorage locations are not occupied by tools and pre-stored informationidentifying corresponding tools of the locations. In still anotherimplementation, the identifier is unique to the pre-designated toolstored in each respective storage location. The data processor isconfigured to determine an inventory condition by evaluating whether atleast one viewable identifier exists in an image of the storagelocations captured by the image sensing device, and pre-storedrelationship between each pre-designated object and a respectiveidentifier unique to each pre-designated object.

In still another implementation, an identifier associated with a storagelocation creates a high intensity image when the storage location isoccupied, and a lower intensity image when the storage location isunoccupied. The system 300 determines which tools exist based ondetected identifiers and pre-stored information identifying arelationship between each storage location and the correspondingpre-designated object. In another implementation, the identifier isunique to a pre-designated object stored in each respective storagelocation. The system 300 determines an inventory condition of existingobjects by evaluating identifiers that exist in an image of the storagelocations captured by the image sensing device, and pre-storedrelationship between each pre-designated object and a respectiveidentifier unique to each pre-designated object.

In still another implementation, each object stored in the system 300includes an attached identifier unique to each object. The dataprocessor has access to prestored information identifying each toolstored in the system and known information identifying a relationshipbetween each object and a respective identifier unique to eachpre-designated object. The data processor determines an inventorycondition of objects by evaluating identifiers that exist in an image ofthe storage locations captured by the image sensing device, and therelationship between each pre-designated object and a respectiveidentifier unique to each pre-designated object. For instance, system300 stores a list of tools stored in the system and their correspondingunique identifiers. After cameras 310 captures an image of a storagedrawer, the data processor determines which identifier or identifiersare in the image. By comparing the identifiers appearing in the imagewith list of tools and their corresponding unique identifiers, the dataprocessor determines which tools are in the system and which ones arenot.

As discussed earlier, identifiers associated with the storage locationsmay be used to determine which locations have missing objects. Accordingto one implementation, system 300 does not need to know the relationshipbetween each storage location and the corresponding object. Rather, eachidentifier is unique to a corresponding object stored in the storagelocation. The data processor of system 300 has access to pre-storedinformation identifying a relationship between each identifier and thecorresponding object, and information identifying each object. In otherwords, system 300 has access to an inventory list of every object storedin system 300 and its respective unique identifier. When an empty toolstorage location is detected by system 300, the corresponding identifieris extracted from the image and decoded by system software. As eachidentifier is unique to a corresponding object, system 300 is able todetermine which object is missing by checking the relationship betweeneach identifier and the corresponding object, and the inventory list ofobjects. Each identifier unique to an object stored in a storagelocation may be disposed next to the storage location or in the storagelocation. In one implementation, the identifier is disposed next to thestorage location and is always viewable to the image sensing device nomatter whether the location is occupied by an object or not. In anotherimplementation, when an identifier is disposed in the correspondinglocation, the identifier is not viewable to the image sensing devicewhen the location is occupied by an object, and is viewable to the imagesensing device when the location is not occupied by an object.

An implementation of this disclosure utilizes combinations of baselineimages and identifiers unique to objects to determine an inventorystatus. For example, a baseline image may include information of astorage drawer with all storage locations occupied with their respectivecorresponding objects, wherein each storage location is associated withan identifier unique to an object stored in the storage location. Aninventory condition is determined by comparing an image of the storagelocations and the baseline image, to determine which locations areoccupied by objects and/or which locations have missing objects.Identifications of the missing objects are determined by identifying theidentifier associated with each storage location with missing object.

Another implementation of this disclosure utilizes unique combinationsof identifiers to determine an inventory status. For instance, eachstorage location may have a first type of identifier disposed in thelocation and a second type of identifier unique to an object stored inthe storage location and disposed next to the storage location. Thefirst type of identifier is viewable to an image sensing device when thelocation is not occupied by an object and not viewable by an imagesensing device when the location is occupied by an object. The firsttype of identifier may be made of retro-reflective material. If astorage location is not occupied by an object corresponding to thestorage location, the identifier of the first type is viewable by theimage sensing device and shows up as a high intensity area. Accordingly,each high intensity area represents a missing object, which allowssystem 300 to determine which locations having missing objects. Based onidentifiers of the second type associated with those locations withmissing objects, system 300 identifies which objects are missing fromsystem 300. Consequently, an inventory condition of system 300 isdetermined.

According to still another implementation, system 300 uses imagerecognition methods to identify an object missing from system 300.System 300 has access to an inventory list indicating which tools arestored in each drawer or system 300. However, system 300 does not haveto know where the tools are stored. The tools are placed in foam cutoutlocations specific for each tool. Using characteristics such as size,shape, color, and other parameters image recognition software identifieseach tool in the drawer. Missing tools are simply the tools on theinventory list that are not identified as being in the drawer.

System 300 records access information related to each access. The accessinformation includes time, user information related to the access,duration, user images, images of storage locations, identities ofstorage units or contents of the storage system, objects in the storagesystem, etc., or any combinations thereof. In one implementation, system300 includes a user camera that captures and stores image of the personaccessing storage system 300 each time access is authorized. For eachaccess by a user, system 300 determines an inventory condition andgenerates a report including associating the determined inventorycondition with access information.

Timed Image Capturing

Implementations of this disclosure utilize uniquely timed machineimaging to capture images of system 300 and determine an inventorycondition of system 300 according to the captured images. In oneimplementation, system 300 activates or times imaging of a storagedrawer based on drawer locations and/or movements, in order to createefficient and effective images. For instance, a data processor of thesystem 300 uses drawer positions to determine when to take overlappingpartial images as discussed relative to FIGS. 4a -4 e, to assure fullcoverage of a drawer being accessed by a user. In another example,drawer position information may be useful to the stitching software inthe construction of a full drawer image. Drawer position information maybe used to help locate the positions of the cutouts in the drawer.

In one implementation, the data processor of system 300 controls theimage sensing device to form images of a drawer based on a pre-specifiedmanner of movement by the drawer. For instance, for each access, system300 only takes images of the drawer when it is moving in a specifiedmanner or in a predetermined direction. According to one implementation,the image sensing device takes images when a drawer is moving in adirection that allows decreasing access to its contents or after thedrawer stops moving in the direction allowing decreasing access to itscontents. For example, cameras may be controlled to take pictures ofdrawers when a user is closing a drawer, when or after a drawer stopsmoving in a closing direction or when the drawer is completely closed.In one implementation, no images are taken when the drawer is moving ina direction allowing increasing access to its contents, such as when adrawer moves from a close position to an open position.

FIG. 6 shows an operation of this implementation in the setting of anexemplary system described in FIGS. 4a -4 d. As shown in FIG. 6a , auser partially opens drawer 330 to expose storage locations in shadedarea 331. Since the user only opens drawer 330 half way, the user has noaccess to storage locations in area 336. After the user finds the toolhe needs from area 331, the user starts to close drawer 330 (FIG. 6b ).When sensors in system 300 detect the closing movement of drawer 330,which allows decreasing access to contents, the data processor activatesthe image sensing device, such as cameras 310, to capture partial imagesof shaded area 331 until drawer 330 is fully closed (FIG. 6c ). Sincethe user never has any access to area 336, it is safe to assume that aninventory condition relative to area 336 remains unchanged from theprevious access. However, for area 331, since the user had access tothat area, an inventory associated with that area needs to be updated.Any changes in access or replacement of tools would occur only in area331. Therefore, system 300 determines an inventory condition of drawer330 associated with the access by the user based on the captured imagecovering area 331 and inventory information related to area 336 of aprevious access, the information of which may be retrieved from anon-volatile memory device of system 300 that stores inventoryinformation associated with each access to system 300. The determinedinventory condition for drawer 330 is then stored in the non-volatilememory device. In one implementation, the non-volatile memory devicestores an initial inventory condition of drawer 300 which represents abaseline inventory condition with which later inventory conditions maycompare. For instance, after each auditing of tool inventory condition,system 300 stores the inventory condition after the audit as thebaseline inventory condition.

Locations, movements and moving directions of each storage drawer may bedetermined by using sensors to measure location or movement sensorsrelative to time. For instance, location information relative to twopoints in time may be used to derive a vector indicating a movingdirection.

Examples of sensors for detecting a position, movement or movingdirection of storage drawers include a sensor or encoder attached to adrawer to detect its position relative to the frame of system 300; anon-contact distance measuring sensor for determining drawer movementrelative to some position on the frame of the system 300, such as theback of the system 300; etc. Non-contact sensors may include optical orultrasonic sensors. A visible scale or indicator viewable by cameras 310may be included in each drawer, such that camera 210 could read thescale to determine drawer position.

A change in an inventory condition, such as removal of tools, occurringin the current access may be determined by comparing inventoryconditions of the current access and the access immediately before thecurrent access. If one or more objects are missing, system 300 maygenerate a warning signal, such as audible or visual, to the user,generate a notice to a remote server coupled to system 300, etc.

In another implementation, the image sensing device is configured toform images of the storage locations both when storage drawer 330 movesin a direction allowing increasing access to its contents, and whenstorage drawer 330 subsequently moves in a direction allowing decreasingaccess to its contents. For example, when a user opens drawer 330 toretrieve tools, the moving direction of drawer 330 triggers cameras 310to capture images of drawer contents when it moves. The captured imagemay be designated as a “before access” image representing a statusbefore a user has accessed the contents of each storage drawer. Aninventory condition is determined based on the captured images. Thisinventory condition is considered as a “before access” inventorycondition. Cameras 310 stops capturing images when drawer 330 stopsmoving. When the user closes drawer 330, the moving direction of drawer330 triggers cameras 310 to capture images of drawers 330 again until itstops or reaches a close position. An inventory condition of the draweris determined based on images captured when the user closes drawer 330.This determined inventory condition is designated as an “after access”inventory condition. A difference between the before access inventorycondition and the after access inventory condition indicates a removalor replacement of tools. Other implementations of this disclosurecontrol cameras to take the “before access” image before a storagedrawer is opened or after the storage drawer is fully opened or when itscontents are accessible to a user. According to another implementation,the image sensing device is timed to take an image of each drawer 330when it was detected that access by a user is terminated. As used hereinin this disclosure, terminated access is defined as a user no longerhaving access to any storage locations, such as when drawer 330 isclosed or locked, when door 250 is closed or locked, etc., or anindication by the user or the system that access to the storage systemis no longer desired, such as when a user signs off, when apredetermined period of time has elapsed after inactivity, when alocking device is locked by a user or by system 300, etc. For eachaccess, a position detector or contact sensor is used to determinewhether drawer 330 is closed. After the drawer is closed, the imagesensing device captures an image of drawer 330. The data processingsystem then determines an inventory condition based on the capturedimage or images. A difference in the inventory condition may bedetermined by comparing the determined inventory condition of thecurrent access to that of the previous access.

FIGS. 7a and 7b show an exemplary drawer having cameras configured tocapture images of the drawer when it is closed. FIG. 7a is a top view ofa drawer 330 having three cameras 770. Cameras 770 have sufficientwidths of viewing fields to cover the entire width of drawer 330. FIG.7b is a side view of drawer 330 shown in FIG. 7a . Camera 710 tilts downa specific angle and has a sufficiently large viewing field to cover theentire length L of drawer 330. In one implementation, cameras 710 doesnot have to cover the entire length L with one image. Rather, camera 710may be rotatably attached to a hinge 711, which allows camera to tilt upand down vertically, to cover different sections of drawer 330. Imagescaptured by cameras 710 are stitched or combined to form an image of theentire drawer.

It is understood that other camera configurations or designs may beutilized to capture images of drawer 330 when it is closed. In oneimplementation, one or more moving cameras are used to capture images ofa drawer after it is closed. In this implementation, the cameras areconfigured to move over the drawer and capture image slices that can bestitched together to create a full drawer images. The cameras may bemoved by a motor along a rail. Either 2D or line scan cameras can beused in this model. A sensor may be used to determine the location ofthe cameras to assist in stitching or other functions such as cameraposition control. A variation of this model uses a stationary camera foreach drawer viewing across the top of the drawer and a 45 degree movingmirror that moves over the draw and redirects the camera view towardsthe drawer. Another variation is to provide a camera moving from onedrawer to another. Still another variation is to provide a moving mirrorfor each drawer and one or more cameras moving between drawers. Themovements of the cameras and mirrors are synchronized to form images ofeach storage drawer. The cameras and drawers may be driven by motors orany means that provide power.

If the image sensing device requires illumination to obtain acceptableimage quality, illumination devices may be provided. For example, LEDsmay be used to illuminate the image area. It is understood that otherillumination sources may be used. In one implementation, LEDs aredisposed surrounding the lens or image sensors of the camera and lightis transmitted along the same path as the camera view. In animplementation including the use of a light directing device, such as amirror, the emitted light would be directed by the mirror towards thedrawers. The timing and intensity of the illumination is controlled bythe same processor that controls the camera and its exposure. In somepossible configurations of cameras it may be desirable to implementbackground subtraction to enhance the image. Background subtraction is awell known image processing technique use to remove undesirable staticelements from an image. First an image is captured with illuminationoff. Then a second image is captured with illumination on. The finalimage is created by subtracting the illumination off image from theillumination on image. Image elements that are not significantlyenhanced by the illumination are thereby removed from the resultingimage.

According to another implementation, for each access, the image sensingsystem 300 is timed to capture at least two images of drawer 300: atleast one image (initial image) captured before a user has access tostorage locations in drawer 300 and at least one image captured afterthe access is terminated, as discussed earlier. The initial image may betaken at any time before the user has access to the contents or storagelocations in the drawer. In one implementation, the initial image iscaptured when or after a user requests access to system 300, such as bysliding a keycard, punching in password, inserting a key into a lock,providing authentication information, etc. In another implementation,the initial image is captured before or in response to a detection ofdrawer movement from a close position or the unlock of a locking deviceof system 300.

The data processing system of system 300 determines an inventorycondition based on the initial image, and assigns the determinedinventory condition as “before access” inventory condition; anddetermine an inventory condition based on the image captured after theaccess is terminated and designated the determined inventory conditionas “after access” inventory condition. A change in the inventorycondition of objects in system 300 may be determined based on acomparison of the “before access” and “after access” inventoryconditions or a comparison of the initial image and the image capturedafter the access is terminated.

Concepts and designs described above may be applicable to other types ofstorage systems, such as a type shown in FIG. 1B, where a single doorcontrols the access to multiple shelves or drawers. In oneimplementation, the image sensing device may be timed to capture imagesof the storage locations when or after a detected termination of access,such as closing door 250, locking door 250, signing out, etc. It isunderstood that various types of sensors, such as contact sensors,infrared sensors, may be used to determine when a door is closed.Similar to the discussions earlier, the image sensing device capturesimages of the storage locations, and determine an “after access”inventory condition based on the captured image. A change in theinventory condition related to the access by comparing an inventorycondition of the current access and that of the last access. Accordingto another implementation, the image sensing device is timed to take“before access” images of the storage locations before a user has accessto the storage system. For instance, the cameras may be timed to captureimages of the storage locations when or after a user requests access tothe system, after detecting an opening of door 250, after receivingauthentication information from a user, etc. The storage systemdetermines a “before access” inventory condition based on the “beforeaccess” image. A change in the inventory condition may be determinedaccording to a difference between the “before access” and “after access”inventory conditions, or a difference between the “before access” and“after access” images.

Networked Storage Systems

Storage systems described in this disclosure may be linked to a remoteserver in an audit center, such that inventory conditions in eachstorage system is timely updated and reported to the server. As shown inFIG. 8, a server 802 is coupled to multiple storage systems 800 via awireless network. Server 802 may include a database server, such as aMicrosoft SQL server. Information related to authentication, authorizedusers, inventory conditions, audit trails, etc., is stored in thedatabase.

In one implementation, each storage system 800 is provided with a datatransceiver, such as an 802.11g or Ethernet module. The Ethernet moduleconnects directly to the network, while a 802.11g module may connectthrough a 802.11g router connected to the network. Each of these networkmodules will be assigned a static or dynamic IP address. In oneimplementation, storage systems 800 check in to the server through thedata transceivers on a periodic basis, to download information aboutauthorized users, authorization levels of different users or differentkeycards, related storage systems, etc. Storage systems 800 also uploadinformation related to the systems such as inventory conditions, drawerimages, tool usage, access records, information of user accessingstorage systems 800, etc., to server 802. Each storage system 800 may bepowered by an AC source or by a battery pack. An uninterruptible powersupply (UPS) system may be provided to supply power during a powerfailure.

Server 802 allows a manager or auditor to review access informationrelated to each storage system 800, such as inventory conditions andinformation related to each access to storage system 800 like userinformation, usage duration, inventory conditions, changes in inventoryconditions, images of drawers or contents of the storage system, etc. Inone implementation, server 802 may form a real time connection with astorage system 800 and download information from that storage system.The manager or auditor may also program the access control device oneach storage system through server 802, such as changing password,authorized personnel, adding or deleting authorized users for eachstorage system, etc. Authorization data needed for granting access toeach storage system 800 may be programmed and updated by server 802 anddownloaded to each storage system 800. Authorization data may includepasswords, authorized personnel, adding or deleting authorized users foreach storage system, user validation or authentication algorithm, publickey for encryptions and/or decryptions, black list of users, white listof users, etc. Other data updates may be transmitted to each storagesystem from server 802, such as software updates, etc. Similarly, anychanges performed on storage system 800, such as changing password,adding or deleting authorized users, etc., will be updated to server802.

For each access request submitted by a user, a storage systemauthenticates or validates the user by determining a user authorizationaccording to user information input by the user via the data inputdevice and the authorization data. According to a result of theauthentication, the data processor selectively grants access to thestorage system by controlling an access control device, such as a lock,to grant access to the storage system 800 or one or more storage drawersof one or more storage systems 800.

Server 802 also allows a manager to program multiple storage systems 800within a designated group 850 at the same time. The manager may selectwhich specific storage systems should be in group 850. Once a user isauthorized access to group 850, the user has access to all storagesystems within group 850. For instance, a group of storage systemsstoring tools for performing automotive service may be designated as anautomotive tool group, while another group of storage systems storingtools for performing electrical work may be designated as an electricaltool group. Any settings, adjustments or programming made by Server 802in connection with a group automatically apply to all tool storagesystems in that group. For instance, server 802 may program the toolstorage systems by allowing an automotive technician to access all toolstorage systems in the automotive tool group, but not those in theelectrical tool group. In one implementation, each system 800 onlyincludes minimal intelligence sufficient for operation. All other dataprocessing, user authentication, image processing, etc., are performedby server 802.

Similarly, server 802 also allows a manager to program multiple storagedrawers 330 within a designated group at the same time. The manager mayselect which specific storage drawers, of the same system or differentstorage systems, should be in the group. Once a user is authorizedaccess to the group, the user has access to all storage drawers withinthe group. For instance, a group of storage systems storing tools forperforming automotive tools may be designated as an automotive toolgroup, while another group of storage systems storing tools forperforming electrical work may be designated as an electrical toolgroup.

In another implementation, an exemplary networked storage system asshown in FIG. 8 utilizes hierarchical authorization architecture tomanage access to storage systems. One or more storage systems 800 aregiven the status of master storage system. Each master storage systemhas one or more associated slave storage systems. If a user isauthorized to access to a master storage system, the same user isautomatically authorized to access any slave storage system associatedwith that master system. On the other hand, if a user is authorized toaccess a slave storage system, the authorization to the slave systemdoes not automatically grant the user access to its associated masterstorage system or other slave storage systems associated with the samemaster storage system.

According to still another implementation, an exemplary networkedstorage system as shown in FIG. 8 grants user access by utilizingmultiple hierarchical authorization levels. Each authorization level isassociated with pre-specified storage systems, which can be programmedby a manager via server 802. When a user is assigned a specificauthorization level, this user is authorized to access all storagesystems associated with the assigned authorization level and all storagesystems associated with all authorization levels lower than the assignedauthorization level in the authorization hierarchy, but not to thoseassociated with authorization levels higher than the assignedauthorization level in the authorization hierarchy.

Audit

An exemplary inventory control system according to this disclosuretracks various types of information related to each access. For example,system 800 records date, time and/or duration for each access, andcorresponding user information submitted by a user to obtain access tosystem 800. As discussed earlier, system 800 captures one or more imagesof the storage unit during each access for determining an inventorycondition. The images are linked to each access and accessing user andstored in system 800. System 800 may store the information locally orupload the obtained information to server 802 via the wirelesscommunication network, as shown in FIG. 8.

Server 802 may process and compile the information received from eachsystem 800, to create an audit trail for each server 802. The audittrail is accessible by managers or users with suitable authorizationlevels. Different types of audit trails may be generated and retrievedbased on preference of authorized users. For instance, an audit trailmay be generated for one or more specific dates, one or more specificusers, one or more specific tools, one or more IDs, etc. Additionalinformation and analysis may be generated and provided by server 802.For example, system 802 may track usages of a specific tool over time,and generate a report summarizing a usage frequency for each tool forevaluation. Such report may be used to determine what tools are usedmore frequently and which tools probably are not needed because they areused less often than others.

FIG. 9a shows an exemplary screen of an audit trail with respect to aspecific storage system 800. Each access to system 800 is identified byDate/Time 920 and user information 910 of users associated with eachaccess. User information may include any information submitted by a userwhen requesting access to system 800, such as finger prints, facialrecognition images, user images taken by user cameras, passwords,information stored in keycards, any information for authentication, etc.In one implementation, data of user facial characteristics of each useris stored in system 800 or server 802. For each access, an image of auser accessing system 800 is captured by a user camera. User informationsubmitted by the user for gaining access to system 800, such asinformation stored in a keycard and/or password, is collected. Thecaptured image is compared against user facial characteristics of a useridentified by the user information. System 800 or server 802 determineswhether the facial characteristics of the user accessing system 800matches facial characteristics of the user identified by the userinformation.

One or more images are taken during each access to storage system 800.FIG. 9b shows an exemplary “before access” image taken by cameras ofsystem 800 before a user has access to the storage locations or when thedrawer is moving in the first direction, as discussed earlier in thisdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 9b , each tool is properly stored in itscorresponding storage location. FIG. 9c shows an exemplary “afteraccess” image taken by cameras of system 800 after the access isterminated or when a storage drawer moves in the second direction asdiscussed earlier. As shown in FIG. 9c , tools corresponding to storagelocations 951 and 952 are missing. Based on the image shown in FIG. 9c ,system 800 determines that tools in storage locations 951 and 952 aremissing. An audit trail is generated regarding the missing tools and theuser associated with the access. FIG. 9d shows an exemplary recordstored in system 800 and/or server 802, in which both “before access”and “after access” images 981 and 982 are stored. Missing tools areidentified according to “after access” image 982 and listed in area 980.

Individual Tool Training

In conventional imaging-based automated tool control systems, thesensors (i.e., cameras) must be programmed to scan certain areas ofinterest in the tool control storage device drawers or trays as theypass by the sensors' field of view during the process of opening andclosing the drawers or trays. This programming or “training” processbegins with the creation and use of a text file by the system'scomputer, which defines an (x,y) coordinate system for each drawer ortray. The coordinate system in the text file corresponds to the (x,y)dimensions of the drawers or trays, and teaches the cameras to look inspecific areas for positional information; e.g., in the form of a seriesof dots placed on the drawer or tray layers. The text file also providescoordinate data for the drawer or tray layer, which data providespositional information for specific areas to scan for image data of thespecific tool silhouettes or tools.

Typically, the cameras must scan each tool in the drawer or tray tocomplete the tool training process, so the cameras know the relevantdata for each tool silhouette in the drawer or tray. Since there can beupwards of 120 tools per drawer or tray, scanning each tool in a draweror tray and recording the relevant data takes a significant amount oftime. This is clearly disadvantageous where a single tool in a drawer ortray containing many tools changes parameters (e.g., a change in thecolor or size of a screwdriver handle), and the system must be retrainedto recognize the new parameters of the tool that changed. In currentsystems, all the tools in the drawer or tray must be scanned and allparameter data for each of the scanned tools recorded when anoriginally-scanned tool is replaced with a new tool.

The embodiment described here advantageously provides tool training of asingle tool silhouette in a drawer or tray containing many tools, wherethe drawer or tray had been previously trained and all parameters of alltools had been scanned and stored. Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11,according to this embodiment, the computer application for tool optionsis called up on the system's touch screen (e.g., display 305 shown inFIG. 3 of the system described herein above) and the program for “singletool training” is selected (see FIG. 11).

Following the selection of a single tool training program, the userselects the start button. An image of the drawer or tray with the toolselected for training will appear on the screen. The selected tool ishighlighted by the user, and the user is asked if this is the toolselected for re-training. If the user responds in the affirmative, thenthe single tool training routine is invoked (step 1001 of FIG. 10). Ifthe response is negative, then the user is asked to select another toolor they can exit the program. Alternatively, the user can be presentedwith a list of tools to choose from at step 1001 when the single tooltraining program is initiated.

Once the tool training program is started, the drawer or tray containingthe individual tool silhouette to be retrained is scanned to image thetarget area (i.e., the area of the original tool). See, step 1002 ofFIG. 10. Then, the computer system adjusts the tool outline area forthat tool (step 1003), by comparing the image to the text file. Thedrawer or tray is scanned again with the original tool removed (step1004) to record the silhouette characteristic signature with the toolabsent (step 1005).

The next step is to replace the original tool with the new tool andrescan the drawer or tray (step 1006) to obtain and record thesilhouette characteristic signature with the new tool present (step1007). Additional scans of the tool silhouette (step 1008) may berecorded with the new tool in alternate positions so that multiplepresent characteristics may be recorded (step 1009).

The user then is given the opportunity to retrain another tool or toexit the program.

Thus, in this embodiment the system takes initial image datarepresenting an initial image of the plurality of storage locations, andimage data representing an image of the target area captured subsequentto the initial image; modifies the initial image data based on the imagedata of the target area to generate adjusted image data; and stores theadjusted image data.

Automated Created of Tool Control System Layers with Tool Cutouts

As discussed herein above and shown in FIG. 2, an accepted method ofcontrolling objects, such as tools, in storage devices is to create afoam layer or sheet 180 with silhouettes 181 of the individual objectscut into the foam. Typically, a hard backing layer with a contrastingcolor will be adhered to the bottom of the foam layer 180 after thesilhouettes 181 have been cut. The intention is to provide the user ofthe object a visual aid in replacing the tool and identifying whichtools are missing.

This technique is used in automated tool control systems with bothimaging and non imaging capabilities. In automated tool control systemswith imaging capabilities, the edges of the silhouettes 181 areidentified, and the areas surrounded by the edges of the silhouettes areidentified as areas of interest. Processors of automated tool controlsystems with imaging capabilities use the color of the backing layer asa color signature for the empty pocket, and run programs to record atool as issued when the color signature is recognized. When the tool isin place in the pocket, imaging tool control systems use the colorsignature of the tool in the pocket to determine presence signatures.Non imaging based automated tool control systems use the silhouettes toensure the objects are in place so that a sensor located in nearproximity to or in the pocket can sense the presence or absence of thetool in the pocket.

Moreover, in both imaging and non imaging based automated tool controlsystems, the silhouette cutouts in the foam layer provide the user ofthe object a means of visually confirming the presence and absence ofobjects in the storage device.

Conventional processes used to create foam layers are both timeconsuming and expensive. Procedures currently employed for producingtool control foam layers typically include the following steps:

1. Obtain required tool list from customer including part number,description and quantity;2. Obtain or create silhouettes for each tool using 2D CAD drawings, 3DCAD models, photographs on a grid or with a scale, or a flat bed scannerwith grid or scale. The last two options require a program such asPhotoShop™ be used to manipulate the images.3. Lay out the tools in the appropriate size “drawer or tray” fitted toa specific storage device;4. Assign part numbers to silhouettes;5. Insert finger notches and channels;6. Produce parts list and layout;7. Submit for approval to customer;8. Obtain approval;9. If changes are required, then resubmit and obtain approval;10. Create machine tool ready programs to produce the layers withsilhouettes;11. Produce layers;12. Ship to customer and install in tool storage device.

An alternate method currently in use employs a backlit “light box” witha grid and a single camera suspended above the surface of the light box.Images are obtained and the process then follows steps 3 through 12listed above.

Silhouettes obtained from 2D drawings and 3D models are usually accurateand need only be adjusted to provide the proper clearance for the tool.Images created using photographic images from flat bed scanners andcameras must be manipulated to eliminate parallax. Another disadvantageof the current method is that the back lit devices with a single cameraare not large enough to produce images of a complete drawer or tray. Aphotograph of a proposed section of the drawer or tray must be taken,then the tools are removed and the tools contained in the second portionof the drawer or tray are loaded on the backlit surface and images arecaptured. The images are combined at a later time.

Thus, in conventional systems, there can be multiple delays due to thenumber of iterations and poor communications.

According to this embodiment, multiple cameras in an imaging based toolcontrol system are used to obtain stereoscopic images of the objectslaid out in the tool storage device container (i.e., drawer or tray) asthey would be in normal use. The entire contents of the drawer or trayare laid out and images obtained. The tool silhouette areas are thenisolated from the remainder of the layer.

The images from the multiple cameras are then sewn together and parallaxis calculated from the stereoscopic image data and eliminated. Once theparallax is eliminated, finger notches and channels can be inserted intothe drawer or tray file automatically or manually by the operator. Partslists and layout are then prepared via computer program for review.

Another feature of this embodiment is a computer program to createmachine ready data files to produce the foam layers. When the drawer ortray layout with silhouettes is complete, the operator invokes theprogram to produce the files for the machine tool. These are forwardedto the foam vendor.

This embodiment can be implemented using the tool control systemdescribed herein above with reference to FIGS. 1-4D. Referring now tothe flow chart of FIG. 12, at step 1201, the objects to be inventoried(such as tools) are arranged in a desired layout on a surface of astorage container of the system, such as the bottom of a drawer 330. Atstep 1202, the surface (referred to as the “target area” in FIG. 12) isimaged by cameras 310. As shown in FIG. 4D and explained above,overlapping partial images 41-45 can be taken by different cameras 310and stitched together to form a single image of the target area that isfree of inaccuracies related to parallax.

At step 1203, the system processor analyzes the image data to isolatetool silhouettes, and generates a data file defining the shape andposition of each of the tools in the drawer. Those of skill in the artwill understand this step can be accomplished, for example, bysegmenting the image data into a background layer and a foreground layerby exploiting known properties of the drawer foam that will contain thescanned tools (e.g., a uniform color and texture). After identifyingareas of the image that match the properties of the drawer foam, theremaining areas are foreground and are assumed to be tools. The isolatedforeground pixels are then grouped into connected regions, and eachgroup of connected pixels is classified as a tool silhouette. A knowncomputer aided design (CAD) program such as Graphite, available fromVellum Investment Partners of Austin, Tex., is usable to implement thisembodiment.

The user can then match each of the silhouettes with a tool part number(step 1204), and insert finger notches and channels as desired for eachtool silhouette (step 1205). After the user has completed entering dataand manipulating the individual silhouettes, the parts list and layoutis produced for approval (step 1206), and thereafter can be submitted tovendor(s) to produce the foam layer and obtain the tools (step 1207).

In a further embodiment, the system processor has a program forgenerating data files usable by a machine tool to cut a foam layer(s).Thus, after approval at step 1206, the user can invoke the program toproduce the necessary machine ready data files, and forward them to afoam vendor in step 1207. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thata commercially available computer program such as Adobe Illustrator orPhotoshop can be used to implement this step; e.g., by generating a dxffile for export to a machine tool. Thus, this embodiment providesmanufacturing data usable in production of storage layers containing thestorage locations and shapes of the tools to be stored.

An advantage of the system of this embodiment is that the user has thesilhouette and foam layout creation system in a toolbox on site wheretools and users are readily available for layout of tools prior to imageacquisition, and approval can be obtained immediately following thecompletion of the drawer or tray layer designs.

Automated Foam Sheet Changeout Process

As discussed herein above, inventory in a tool control system is oftenstored in recessed pockets 181 cut out of a foam or hard plastic sheet180, as shown in FIG. 2. The pockets 181 are cut to match thesilhouettes of the inventory stored in that sheet 180. The sheet 180could be stored in a toolbox or cabinet drawer or tray 170, stacked in ahard plastic pallet, or even stored within another larger sheet. Manyautomated tool control systems make use of these sheets for organizingtheir contents.

It is sometimes desired to change the layout or contents of a sheetcontained in a tool control system. This requires updating the inventorylist for the tool control system and updating the automatic tool controlsystem containing the sheet.

Conventional methodology requires a user to perform the normal processto produce a new tool control sheet (such as sheet 180). This processincludes selection of the new sheet inventory, layout of the contents,and acquisition of the new inventory and sheet. If the sheet is to beused in an automatic control system, additional steps are required. Auser must manually update the tool control system inventory to reflectitems that were removed or added, replace the sheet in the system, andthen set up the automated tool control system to properly detectinventory in the new sheet.

The solution of this disclosed embodiment provides for a single point ofdata entry in the sheet change process, removing time consuming anderror prone redundant data entry steps. According to this embodiment,referring to the flow chart of FIG. 13, the user initiates the sheetchange process at the target tool control system or at a master controlterminal (step 1301).

At step 1302, a CAD file used to cut the foam sheet and its silhouettesis imported into the tool control system. Relevant information requiredby the tool control system for each inventory item is contained in thisfile, including the part number, serial number, sheet location,silhouette shape, and any individualized inventory data. The toolcontrol system assimilates this data and updates its inventory toinclude the new sheet and the tools it contains at step 1303.

The tool control system software associates each inventory item with thesheet that contains it. When a sheet is updated, all items contained inthe old sheet are automatically removed from the system inventory. Asheet and its contents can be completely removed from the inventorysystem or transferred to a different tool control system location (seestep 1304). More particularly, the tool control system compares theidentifying information from the list of tools in the “new” sheet to thelist of tools in the “old” sheet. It builds three lists from thiscomparison: tools removed (reference contained in the old list but notthe new), tools added (reference contained in the new list but not theold), and tools updated (references contained in both lists). The masterinventory is then updated to delete items from the “tools removed” list,add items from the “tools added” list, and update any data from the“tools updated” list.

At step 1305, the user is prompted to perform any required steps tocomplete the update process. These steps can include scanning the newsheet to establish a baseline image in an image based tool controlsystem (i.e., training the sheet, as described herein above).

FIGS. 14 and 15 provide functional block diagram illustrations ofgeneral purpose computer hardware platforms. FIG. 14 illustrates anetwork or host computer platform, as may typically be used to implementa server. FIG. 15 depicts a computer with user interface elements, asmay be used to implement a personal computer or other type of workstation or terminal device, although the computer of FIG. 15 may alsoact as a server if appropriately programmed. It is believed that thegeneral structure and general operation of such equipment as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 should be self-explanatory from the high-levelillustrations.

A server, for example, includes a data communication interface forpacket data communication. The server also includes a central processingunit (CPU), in the form of one or more processors, for executing programinstructions. The server platform typically includes an internalcommunication bus, program storage and data storage for various datafiles to be processed and/or communicated by the server, although theserver often receives programming and data via network communications.The hardware elements, operating systems and programming languages ofsuch servers are conventional in nature. Of course, the server functionsmay be implemented in a distributed fashion on a number of similarplatforms, to distribute the processing load.

A computer type user terminal device (e.g., the inventory controlsystem) similarly includes a data communication interface CPU, mainmemory and one or more mass storage devices for storing user data andthe various executable programs (see FIG. 15). The various types ofinventory control systems will also include various user input andoutput elements. For example, the inventory control system may include akeyboard and a cursor control/selection device such as a mouse,trackball, joystick or touchpad; and a display for visual outputs. Amicrophone and speaker enable audio input and output. Some otherinventory control systems include similar but smaller input and outputelements. The inventory control system may utilize touch sensitivedisplay screens, instead of separate keyboard and cursor controlelements. The hardware elements, operating systems and programminglanguages of such user terminal devices also are conventional in nature.

Hence, aspects of the methods of monitoring removal and replacement oftools within an inventory control system outlined above may be embodiedin programming. Program aspects of the technology may be thought of as“products” or “articles of manufacture” typically in the form ofexecutable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied ina type of machine readable medium. “Storage” type media include any orall of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, orassociated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tapedrives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitorystorage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of thesoftware may at times be communicated through the Internet or variousother telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, mayenable loading of the software from one computer or processor intoanother, for example, from the server 802 to the inventory controlsystem. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elementsincludes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as usedacross physical interfaces between local devices, through wired andoptical landline networks and over various air-links. The physicalelements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, opticallinks or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software.As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible “storage”media, terms such as computer or machine “readable medium” refer to anymedium that participates in providing instructions to a processor forexecution.

Hence, a machine readable medium may take many forms, including but notlimited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physicaltransmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example,optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in anycomputer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the monitoringremoval and replacement of tools within an inventory control system,etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamicmemory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangibletransmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics,including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system.Carrier-wave transmission media can take the form of electric orelectromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as thosegenerated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) datacommunications. Common forms of computer-readable media thereforeinclude for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetictape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any otheroptical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storagemedium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM,any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data orinstructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or anyother medium from which a computer can read programming code and/ordata. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved incarrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to aprocessor for execution.

The present disclosure can be practiced by employing conventionalmaterials, methodology and equipment. Accordingly, the details of suchmaterials, equipment and methodology are not set forth herein in detail.In the previous descriptions, numerous specific details are set forth,such as specific materials, structures, chemicals, processes, etc., inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present teachings.However, it should be recognized that the present teachings can bepracticed without resorting to the details specifically set forth. Inother instances, well known processing structures have not beendescribed in detail, in order not to unnecessarily obscure aspects ofthe present teachings.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the bestmode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modificationsmay be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may beimplemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may beapplied in numerous applications, only some of which have been describedherein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and allapplications, modifications and variations that fall within the truescope of the present teachings.

1. An inventory control system comprising: a storage container includinga plurality of storage locations for storing objects; an image sensingdevice configured to capture image data of the container; a data storagedevice for storing the image data and data related to objects stored inthe plurality of storage locations; and a data processor configured to:receive new data related to objects in the plurality of storagelocations, wherein the new data includes data for an object in theplurality of storage locations for which there is no data stored in thedata storage device; and update the image data and the data related toobjects stored in the plurality of storage locations stored in thestorage device based on the received new data.
 2. The inventory controlsystem of claim 1, wherein the other data and the new data comprisesidentification data for the objects.
 3. The inventory control system ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is configured to remove the image dataand the other data related to objects removed from the storage containerfrom the data storage device when the image data and the other data isupdated.
 4. A method comprising: storing, in an inventory control systemhaving a storage container including a plurality of storage locationsfor storing objects, image data and data related to objects stored inthe plurality of storage locations; receiving via a data processor ofthe inventory control system new data related to objects in theplurality of storage locations, wherein the new data includes data foran object in the plurality of storage locations for which there is nodata stored in the data storage device; and updating via the dataprocessor the image data and the data related to objects stored in theplurality of storage locations stored in the storage device based on thereceived new data.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the other data andthe new data comprises identification data for the objects.
 6. Theinventory control system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of storagelocations for storing objects include recessed pockets disposed in asheet mounted in the storage container, and the data processor isconfigured to perform the steps to receive new data and update the imagedata when a change occurs in the layout of the recessed pockets in thesheet.
 7. The inventory control system of claim 6, wherein the dataprocessor is further configured to detect an object stored in one of theplurality of storage locations based on at least one of the updatedimage data and the received new data.
 8. The inventory control system ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of storage locations for storing objectsinclude recessed pockets cut into a sheet mounted in the storagecontainer, and wherein the received new data includes a file identifyingsilhouettes of cut outs of the recessed pockets in the sheet.
 9. Theinventory control system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of storagelocations for storing objects include recessed pockets cut into a sheetmounted in the storage container, and the sheet includes at least oneremovable section that can be removed from the storage container sheetseparately from the sheet.
 10. The inventory control system of claim 9,wherein the removable section includes at least one recessed pockettherein.
 11. The method of claim 4, wherein the plurality of storagelocations for storing objects include recessed pockets disposed in asheet mounted in the storage container, and the steps for receiving newdata and updating the image data are performed when a change occurs inthe layout of the recessed pockets in the sheet.
 12. The method of claim11, further comprising a step to detect an object stored in one of theplurality of storage locations based on at least one of the updatedimage data and the received new data.
 13. The method of claim 4, whereinthe plurality of storage locations for storing objects include recessedpockets cut into a sheet mounted in the storage container, and thereceiving new data related to objects comprises receiving a fileidentifying silhouettes of cut outs of the recessed pockets in thesheet.
 14. The method of claim 4, wherein the plurality of storagelocations for storing objects include recessed pockets cut into a sheetmounted in the storage container, and the sheet includes at least oneremovable section that can be removed from the storage container sheetseparately from the sheet.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein theremovable section includes at least one recessed pocket therein.
 16. Themethod of claim 4, further comprising removing the image data and theother data related to objects removed from the storage container fromthe data storage device when the image data and the other data isupdated.